IL-18: a suggested target for immunomodulation in chikungunya virus infection

Chronic joint pain is the most common pathology found in chikungunya virus (CHIKV)-infected patients. Eight cytokines were compared in CHIKV patients with and without joint pain. IL-4 and IL-13 levels were significantly lower in patients with joint pain (p = 0.006 and p < 0.0001, respectively). IL-18 levels were higher in the group of patients with joint pain (p < 0.0001) and were significantly higher on days 3 and 4 after onset (p = 0.0012 and p = 0.003, respectively). Moreover, TNF-α levels were significantly higher in patients with joint pain on day 3 (p = 0.028). This study demonstrated that cytokines, particularly IL-18, may be candidates for immunomodulation.